Internal Pudendal Artery

Origin

The internal pudendal artery originates from the anterior division of the internal iliac artery.

Course

The internal pudendal artery crosses anterior to the piriformis muscle, the inferior gluteal artery, and the sacral plexus.

It courses in an inferolateral direction towards the inferior aspect of the greater sciatic foramen and exits the pelvic cavity between the piriformis and the ischiococcygeus muscles.

Within the gluteal region, it curves posteriorly around the ischial spine, where it traverses the lesser sciatic foramen and enters the perineum. It travels anteriorly, within the pudendal canal, along the walls of the ischioanal canal and gives off the inferior rectal artery.

The artery continues anteriorly within the pudendal canal (Alcock’s canal) with the pudendal vein and nerve. The canal is formed from the surrounding connective tissue and the fascia of the obturator internus muscle. As the artery courses anteriorly, in the region of the ischial ramus, it continues along the perineal membrane.

In females, it divides into its two terminal branches; the deep artery of the clitoris and dorsal artery of clitoris. The male equivalents are the deep artery of the penis and the dorsal artery of the penis.

Branches

As the internal pudendal artery travels anteriorly, it gives off a series of branches. These include the inferior rectal, perineal, and urethral arteries.

In females, it also gives rise to the artery of the bulb of the vestibule, deep artery of the clitoris, and dorsal artery of the clitoris. In males, it gives rise to the deep and the dorsal arteries of the penis and the artery of the bulb of the penis.

Supplied Structures

The internal pudendal artery supplies the inferior rectum and anal canal, the external genitalia, and perineum.